Seed Production Agronomist

About Syngenta
Syngenta is a global leader in agriculture; rooted in science and dedicated to bringing plant potential to life. Each of our 28,000 employees in more than 90 countries work together to solve one of humanity's most pressing challenges: growing more food with fewer resources. A diverse workforce and an inclusive workplace environment are enablers of our ambition to be the most collaborative and trusted team in agriculture. Our employees reflect the diversity of our customers, the markets where we operate and the communities which we serve. No matter what your position, you will have a vital role in safely feeding the world and taking care of our planet. Join us and help shape the future of agriculture. 
 

About Us
Execute established Large Seeded Vegetable (LSV) seed production plans to assure that Syngenta has a consistent and timely supply of high-quality seed. Assure successful production of critical genetics assigned to the region through active technical liaison with Supply Chain (SC), Research & Development, growers, and third-party vendors.

Accountabilities 

• Geographically contract required production volumes with growers and vendors to maximize yield, minimize costs and deliver seed meeting quality specifications.
• Develop and maintain grower and vendor evaluation system to drive increased yields and quality.
• Understand species and variety characteristics, seed quality standards and crop delivery requirements to optimize seed availabilities.
• Manage pre-season planning duties including recruiting new seed growers, field selection and qualification, hybrid placement strategy, creating preliminary field maps, SAP data entry, and creating field recipes
• Develop and implement programs regarding agronomic issues in production fields including, weed, disease and insect programs, and timely field inspection programs.  Provide pesticide and agronomic recommendations to optimize yield, quality and COGP.
• General administrative management duties including signing vendor contracts, collecting - preparing - inputting data for reports and conducting Quality Management System (QMS) meetings.
• Foster an operational culture founded on adherence to all applicable Health Safety Environment (HSE) and other corporate policies, procedures, and guidelines.  Active leadership in the "Goal Zero" safety campaign.
• Work with Research & Development (R&D) and Global Seed Production Specialists (GSPS) to test/implement new production concepts.
• Remain current with latest production technology and develop specialized skills (i.e. systems, data analysis, equipment maintenance, fertility, irrigation mgmt., etc.) to support growers/vendors.
• Cross functional knowledge and experience of plant activities: conditioning, treating, packaging, and warehouse and distribution activities.  
• Coordination with site internal Quality Labs and personnel to ensure high quality seed is delivered to the customer.
• Supervise employees and third-party personnel as required.

Requirements

• Requires a bachelor's degree in Agronomy or related field; equivalent professional experience and/or training in addition to the experience requirement will be considered
• Knowledge of seed production procedures, practices, and terminology
• Excellent communication, leadership and project management skills
• PC and business software skills
• Strong agronomic and pest management skills
• Ability to walk seed production fields in any weather and work 7 days a week during critical time of year
• Position requires extensive travel during peak times of the year
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Must be authorized to work for Syngenta in the United States without work authorization sponsorship

Preferred Requirements

• Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) preferred

What We Offer:

• Full Benefit Package (Medical, Dental & Vision) that starts the same day you do
• 401k plan with company match, Profit Sharing & Retirement Savings Contribution 
• Paid Vacation, 12 Paid Holidays, Maternity and Paternity Leave, Education Assistance, Wellness Programs, Corporate Discounts among others
• A culture that promotes work/life balance, celebrates diversity and offers numerous family-oriented events throughout the year
• Salary Range: $53,600-$90,000/annually

Syngenta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) 
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmla.htm)

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission's (EEOC)
(http://webapps.dol.gov/elaws/firststep/poster_direct.htm)

Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA)
(http://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppa.htm)

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